Whether it's an oil boom or an influx of tech jobs, the populations of these 10 cities grew faster than in any other major metro area between July 2012 and July 2013, according to data from the Census Bureau.

3 of 10

Raleigh, N.C.

Along with the cities of Durham and Chapel Hill, Raleigh forms North Carolina's Research Triangle, an area rich with tech companies and universities including Duke, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State.

The universities are not only among the area's largest employers, but they also "add to the local quality of life by providing access to excellent healthcare, arts and sports," said Harvey Schmitt, CEO of the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce.

Source: Based on U.S. Census Bureau population data for July 1, 2012 through July 1, 2013. Rankings are based on largest percentage population growth in metro areas with a population of one million or more.